Refusing treatment

Before you undergo any medical treatment, you'll be asked to give your consent. You can also set out your wishes in advance, in case you become physically or mentally incapable of communicating them.

Making a decision to refuse treatment

If you're 18 or older, you can make an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) specifying which treatments you don't want in future and the circumstances in which this would apply.

Under the Mental Capacity Act, this is legally binding and health professionals must follow an ADRT if it is valid and applies to the particular circumstances.

BBC Health has more detailed information about making an ADRT and what you need to consider.

You may want to consider such questions as:

What if I become too sick to eat except through a tube?
What if I can't talk or write or signal my thoughts?

Bear in mind that new treatments may be introduced in future that could affect your decision. Review your ADRT regularly to ensure it's still an accurate reflection of your decisions.

You can always change your mind, but be sure to let your relatives and doctors know.

Advance statements

It's important not to confuse an ADRT with an 'advance statement'.

An advance statement is not legally binding, but it can be used to record your wishes and preferences about future treatment and care. You can also request (but not demand) certain types of treatment.

Under the Mental Capacity Act, anyone making a decision about treatment or care on behalf of someone who lacks the capacity to do so must consider any advance statement carefully, in particular if it's a written statement. But it does not have the legal status of an ADRT.